What is the story of Imam Al-Nasa'i's death, and is it true that he died as a result of being beaten by some fanatics?

Imam An-Nasa'i, author of As-Sunan, was a great scholar, jurist, and hafiz, known for his devotion and diligence. He entered Damascus in the later part of his life and found its people deviated from Ali (may Allah be pleased with him). So he authored the book Al-Khasa'is (The Characteristics) regarding the virtues of Ali, to guide them back to the truth. Some people then thought that he was disparaging Muawiyah (may Allah be pleased with him), so they harmed and beat him. Most likely, An-Nasa'i was not deviated from Muawiyah, but rather he wanted to show that Muawiyah was not equal to Ali in virtue. He died in Makkah as a martyr, affected by their beating.